'''Note:''' Boudreau initially filed to run in the November 2 general election against incumbent [[Michael P. Walters]] (D). Boudreau withdrew from the race in August after he was charged with crimes surrounding a traffic accident. He was charged with DWI, felony hit-and-run, leaving the scene of an accident, and three felony counts of causing serious personal injury.<ref>[http://www.robesonian.com/view/full_story/9132910/article-Boudreau-quits-race-for-Senate?instance=secondary_news_left_column Boudreau quits race]</ref> Walters is now running unopposed on November 2.

'''Note:''' Boudreau initially filed to run in the November 2 general election against incumbent [[Michael P. Walters]] (D). Boudreau withdrew from the race in August after he was charged with crimes surrounding a traffic accident. He was charged with DWI, felony hit-and-run, leaving the scene of an accident, and three felony counts of causing serious personal injury.<ref>[http://www.robesonian.com/view/full_story/9132910/article-Boudreau-quits-race-for-Senate?instance=secondary_news_left_column Boudreau quits race]</ref> Walters is now running unopposed on November 2.

The signature-filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in these elections was February 26, 2010. The primary election day was May 4, 2010. The second primary election will be held on June 22, 2010.

In North Carolina, senators are elected to two-year terms with no limit on consecutive terms.

Retiring incumbents

Eight incumbent representatives are not running for re-election, while 42 incumbents (84%) are running for re-election. Of the 8 incumbents who are not running for re-election, 7 is a Democrat and 1 is Republican.

Campaign contributions

This chart shows how many candidates ran for state senate in North Carolina in past years and the cumulative amount of campaign contributions in state senate races, including contributions in both primary and general election contests. All figures come from Follow The Money.[1]

Year

Number of candidates

Total contributions

2008

115

$15,991,201

2006

99

$14,697,182

2004

137

$13,819,791

2002

172

$12,996,012

Qualifications

Article 2, Section 6 of the North Carolina Constitution states: Each Senator, at the time of his election, shall be not less than 25 years of age, shall be a qualified voter of the State, and shall have resided in the State as a citizen for two years and in the district for which he is chosen for one year immediately preceding his election.

District 13

Note: Boudreau initially filed to run in the November 2 general election against incumbent Michael P. Walters (D). Boudreau withdrew from the race in August after he was charged with crimes surrounding a traffic accident. He was charged with DWI, felony hit-and-run, leaving the scene of an accident, and three felony counts of causing serious personal injury.[2] Walters is now running unopposed on November 2.